Majestic Leather 4711 2023

First of all, I want to say one thing upfront - I really like the house of 4711! Whether it’s the classics like Echt Kölnisch Wasser or Portugal, or the lines: Remix, Acqua Colonia (Intense) - surely not every fan likes every Remix, for example Electric Night, which I really like and can show a nice scent progression and a good "performance" (at least on my skin).
And inexperienced noses are already positively inclined; the price is not decisive - not even the fragrance direction that one might dedicate oneself to. It just comes down to whether it smells good or not - and that’s it.

Thus, I want to convey in this review that I really have a positive view of the house of 4711 (Echt Kölnisch Wasser was my first review here) and do not want to engage in bashing.

Therefore, the relaunch of the new (high-priced) line was really great news when I received this in my 4711 newsletter earlier (the newsletters from the employees were sent to the customers, really an accident?).
Then the attention from the blog post, I really thought this could be something special and that other target groups could identify with 4711.
And since I really like leather, this was the chance for a 4711 leather fragrance aimed at a younger audience with the quality of the house. And this way, they could have engaged with the classics….

Yes, it could have been that, but unfortunately it was not.
I carry my 4711 expectations within me and what happens - oh no - a negative record, how can it be that I don’t like leather? A blind flight of the perfumers?
It smells to me like cheap rubber leather in Wish-standard from China with factory mustiness, which has been stuffed with some indefinable acid combined, and in between I smell a crushed gummy bear. The whole thing is uncomfortably scratchy-stinging in the nose.
What a shame 4711 - this could have been the release of the year, the marketing brought a lot of attention (Power & Energy would be added by Jeremy Fragrance while doing push-ups) - but such a performance was rather damaging for the house.

Even though this is not a review I like to write, as I find it sad to express dissatisfaction, sorrow, and confusion regarding 4711, I still hope for future releases, and whether they are more classic, modern, or classic-modern is all fine with me - as long as I see the quality of the house again.

Thank you for reading - what was your disappointment of the year?

Here we have a beautiful tobacco and leather fragrance from the exclusive line of 4711 that does not overwhelm but rather becomes fine, harmonious, and interesting. It is subtly supported by saffron, clove, and plum, smelling almost like a very noble pipe tobacco hanging in a room full of old beautiful wooden furniture, releasing its delicate aroma. After a while, one perceives a rose, but more like a dark, almost sensually appealing one, which combined with patchouli and vanilla is irresistibly beautiful. This scent becomes so harmonious and soft for me, never dominating the entire room but giving its wearer an exquisite aura. Of course, it has its edges from the tobacco and the black leather, but that comes across as distinctive, daring, mysterious, and very interesting. I find it in no way too forward or too loud. A fragrance I would personally love to smell on a man… an aristocrat, a gentleman in a modern, youthful, cheeky form, or a CEO who surprises his employees every day with his positive vibrations. Of course, a very self-confident woman who follows her own rules and stands out with her charming femininity can wear it too. Try it out for yourself. After about an hour, the scent becomes closer to the skin but is still very noticeable, and it remains so comfortably for about 6 hours. Perfuming should be subtle and never overwhelming for my environment - that is the art. Great matte black bottle with a price of 120 euros that is absolutely worth it. A special fragrance for people who appreciate good and quality scents.

Majestic Leather doesn't really fare well here, as can be seen from the ratings.
Personally, I can only partially understand this. I suspect that some find the leather unpleasant.
However, I mostly like it. In my opinion, it is really well made over longer stretches.
In some moments, especially as time goes on, it can come across as a bit old and musty. This phase is, however, noticeably shorter for my nose than the predominantly positive part.

I find that the scent starts off with the leather listed in the base. Alongside the leather, there is a slightly fruity plum, saffron, and a bit of clove. I am actually not a fan of clove at all, but here I find it relatively pleasantly used and not too dominant.

Over time, the scent can seem a bit "less rounded" or it simply develops more edges and corners.
On one hand, this is due to the leather, which can occasionally come across as slightly "musty," and on the other hand, there is the combination of tobacco, or rather a tobacco absolute, and cypriol, as well as patchouli. These are certainly notes that can create this impression. Cypriol, for example, is also known for sometimes being strongly smoky, leathery, or woody.
Additionally, we have a rose that is recognizable but is designed in a very pleasing way.
I am actually not a big fan of roses. However, I find it really acceptable here.

All in all, I think the scent is better than the ratings suggest. But that’s how it is in our perfume world, and that’s a good thing.

Longevity and sillage are perfectly fine. It projects quite well on me and lasts about 7 hours.
The scent is also definitely suitable for unisex use.
I tend to see it more on a man.

The collection impresses with high-quality, elegant scents that have a special character.
The compositions feel modern, harmonious, and carefully balanced. Each fragrance has its own personality and leaves a pleasant, stylish impression.
The presentation of the collection also appears high-quality and fitting to the overall concept. Overall, a very successful fragrance collection that combines quality and elegance.

The independence of one's own perception should not be overshadowed by various rather negative opinions. Therefore, here is my review:
Dear perfumers, don't you notice the mental intense coffee in the top note at the beginning and the Lancôme rose berberanza in the base?
I find both very good, but no one needs a repetition in the form of 4711 majestic leather.